food for all

Easy Mediterranean Salad

When I lived in New York City, my favorite place for lunch was a quick service, build your own salad spot: pick your greens, your protein and 6 other ingredients. Additional premium ingredients for an extra charge. By the time I got to the cashier, I had a $16 salad. Wait, that can’t be right…

I started making this Easy Mediterranean Salad, also known as my Trader Joe’s salad, at home. I’ve played around with a few of the ingredients, but this recipe is my favorite combination. You do not need to use exclusively TJ’s ingredients (this is not a sponsored post), I just have found that I enjoy these specific items and I can pick everything up in ONE place with very little prep work.

This salad is perfect for a filling lunch, but I’ve also served it to guests for dinner alongside tomato, basil, and roasted garlic flat bread.

Before you start prepping your salad ingredients, quickly toss the 3 red onion items listed above in a Ziploc sandwich bag. Carefully shake, and place in refrigerator. This can be done earlier in the day, however, I always forget until I am about to make the salad. A good 20 to 30 minutes is all you really need. By the time I get out all of the ingredients, chop what I need to chop, and remember where my coffee cup is, the red onion is ready. Save the other half of the mixture to top on sandwiches later!

Prepare your salad ingredients (except for the dolmas and roasted chickpeas) and toss thoroughly in a large salad bowl. Carefully, mix in the dolmas so they don’t break apart. Top with roasted chickpeas or pepitas when ready to serve!